Real Writing Year 3 - Unit 24
Model text: The Mystery Rucksack, by Ross Montgomery
Curriculum links: Geography skills and fieldwork
Writing Unit overview
This writing unit for Year 3 is built around an original model text by Ross Montgomery; an exciting story about a hiking adventure and a mystery rucksackl. The example text is available as a PDF in three versions (plain, illustrated and annotated); annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint presentations are also included.
In this two-week unit, pupils will have the opportunity to learn some vocabulary connected with orienteering. They will familiarise themselves with Ross Montgomery’s story, and consider its structure by looking at the concept of the 5-part story, and the story mountain. Finally, they will write their own mystery rucksack or hiking adventure story.
Key curriculum skills
Two fully-resourced lessons are included for the following Y3 English objectives, which can form part of the unit or be taught discretely:
1. Vocabulary - To understanding the meanings of words
Pupils will: revise the four word classes: nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs; discuss the definitions of words and how to find them; complete a vocabulary matching activity; write sentences using new vocabulary, paying attention to word classes.
2. Composition - Extending sentences with a range of conjunctions
Pupils will: revise what is meant by conjunctions; identify conjunctions in a list of words and use them in sentences; identify subordinating conjunctions in sentences; complete a sentence maker activity; write sentence using the conjunctions when, because if and although.
Additional skills to teach or revisit
- Using expanded noun phrases for description and specification
- Commas for lists
Year 3 curriculum teaching points
- Extending sentences with a wider range of conjunctions
- The development of settings, character and plot
- Using and punctuating direct speech
- Organising paragraphs around a theme, scene or period of time
Year 3 vocabulary
Y3/4 Statutory Spelling words: accidentally, possessions, weight, group, reminder, surprise
Tier 2 words: symbol, exhausting, rucksack
Tier 3 words: compass, grid references, key, map